World Data Lab (WDL) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation have announced the launch of the Africa Youth Employment Clock. The first of its kind in the region, the Clock is poised to become the go-to place for comprehensive youth employment data in Africa.
The Africa Youth Employment Clock aims to support the journey to more inclusive African labour markets through data modeling and visualization. This labour market model monitors real-time job growth and forecasts employment trends in Africa, divided by key variables such as employment status, age, gender, and sector.
To achieve its objectives, the Clock draws from surveys and datasets made available by national statistics offices, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).
Over time, access to sub-national data will expand to include Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal, and Ethiopia. WDL’s methodology is peer reviewed, and enables consistent comparable data across countries.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Wolfgang Fengler, CEO, Word Data Lab said, “We are proud to partner with the Mastercard Foundation to launch the Africa Youth Employment Clock. We believe in the power of youth employment data in Africa – offering the basis for more informed decision-making. The Clock will allow governments, private sector, and young people, to have access to more nuanced data on the concrete youth employment questions they have.”
Tade Aina, Chief Impact and Research Officer at the Mastercard Foundation also commented, “The Africa Youth Employment Clock aligns with our mission to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. As we witness unparalleled growth in the continent’s youth population this decade, we recognize young women and men of Africa as the dynamic workforce and leaders capable of solving local and global problems. This tool will play a key role in delivering precise labour market insights to support our youth empowerment efforts.”